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Irritable Bowel SyndromeNCT06145022

Stress Reduction and Lifestyle Modification in Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients

A study testing lifestyle modification in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, run by Universität Duisburg-Essen at 1 site in Germany.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

In the planned efficacy study, a prospective randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the extent to which a multimodal stress reduction and lifestyle modification program can be reflected in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) within the framework of a clinical study. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 75 years
Conditions the study is for
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
What is being tested?
lifestyle modification
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
118 participants
Where
1 siteGermany
Study dates
6 Mar 2024to 31 Aug 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 75 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • confirmed diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS with diarrhea, IBS with constipation, mixed-type IBS, or unspecified IBS); IBS-SSS Score > 75

Who cannot join

  • Severe mental illness (e.g., clinically significant depression, substance use disorder, schizophrenia)
  • Severe comorbid somatic illness (e.g., oncological disease)
  • Pregnancy
  • Participation in other stress reduction programs or clinical studies on psychological interventions
  • Known intolerances (fructose, lactose), celiac disease, etc.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Germany1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Sozialstiftung Bamberg

    Bamberg, Bavaria, 96049

    Jost Langhorst, Prof. Dr., +49 951 503 ext. 11650, FIGN@sozialstiftung-bamberg.de

    Recruiting

Other trials in Germany

About this study

Official title: Effect of a Stress Reduction and Lifestyle Modification Programme on the Quality of Life of Irritable Bowel Syndrome Patients (MBM IBS)

In the planned efficacy study, a prospective randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the extent to which a multimodal stress reduction and lifestyle modification program can be reflected in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) within the framework of a clinical study. For this purpose, 118 patients with IBS will be enrolled in a clinical study. The intervention group will participate in a partial outpatient multimodal stress reduction and lifestyle modification program over 10 weeks, while the waitlist control group will only receive an educational session and written information on treatment and self-help options. The primary research question encompasses the examination of the program's impact on the severity of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (measured with the IBS-Symptom Severity Scale [IBS-SSS]) and additionally its influence on quality of life, stress, and mental well-being. Another aspect of the study is the utilization of medical services (e.g., comparing the number of doctor visits; intake of prescribed and over-the-counter medications). Additionally, a comparison of days of work disability will be conducted.

Read the detailed description

The intervention is a 10-week multimodal stress reduction and lifestyle modification program consisting of 10 sessions, each lasting 6 hours. In groups of around 10 individuals, patients are comprehensively trained on the interplay between lifestyle and health, stress management, moderate physical activity (including yoga and Tai Chi), a Mediterranean diet, and self-help strategies. Successfully tested in two pilot studies, the program has evolved over 15 years and gained clinical experience in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. It is now being applied to patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Built on concepts like the Mind-Body Program and mindfulness-based stress reduction, the intervention incorporates elements from salutogenic and transtheoretical models and psychotherapeutic approaches.

Few integrative medicine approaches for IBS have undergone rigorous evaluation. IBS patients often experience reduced quality of life due to stress and psychosocial symptoms. The program, proven effective in inflammatory bowel diseases, covers stress reduction, dietary improvement, physical activity promotion, self-care applications, coping strategy training, and naturopathic treatments. Medically supervised, the group setting aims to enhance the intervention's impact through mutual support. Practical skills are demonstrated, and the goal is to empower patients for active, responsible, long-term management.

Participants in the waitlist control group receive a 1,5-hour educational session on lifestyle factors' influence and self-help materials. After week 36 measurements, they are offered participation in the multimodal program.

Questionnaires, a diary, and interviews will measure the outcomes of the study. Sociodemographics will be collected.

Being tested
lifestyle modification, waitlist control group
Keywords
lifestyle modification, Mind-Body medicine, integrative medicine
Medical subject headings
Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • lifestyle modificationBehavioural

    The group intervention is carried out once a week for 10 weeks for a total of 60 hours with elements of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mind / body medicine. In this project, this program will be adapted to the specific needs of irritable bowel syndrome patients.

  • waitlist control groupBehavioural

    Participants in this group receive a one-time education unit within the scope of 1,5 hours on the influence of lifestyle factors on the disease, also self-help materials for independent training offered. Following the follow-up measure also this group is given the opportunity to participate in the multimodal stress reduction- and lifestyle modification program.

Study groups in NCT06145022
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
intervention groupExperimentalOnce a week for 10 weeks with a circumference of 60 hours with mindfulness-based stress reduction and further process of the Mind / body medicine.
Receives: Behavioral: lifestyle modification
waitlist control groupActive comparatorA unique education unit within the scope of 1,5 hours on the influence of lifestyle factors on the disease and self-help materials for the independent training. After the follow-up measurement opportunity to participate in the program.
Receives: Behavioral: waitlist control group

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Severity of IBS symptoms by IBS-SSS

    Irritable bowel syndrome severity scoring system (IBS-SSS); 5-item questionnaire; scale from 0% (= not at all) to 100% (= very severe); cut-off of IBS-SSS scores to evaluate the severity of IBS: < 175 for mild IBS, 175-300 for moderate IBS, and > 300 for severe IBS

    Measured: week 0

  2. Severity of IBS symptoms by IBS-SSS

    Irritable bowel syndrome severity scoring system (IBS-SSS); 5-item questionnaire; scale from 0% (= not at all) to 100% (= very severe); cut-off of IBS-SSS scores to evaluate the severity of IBS: < 175 for mild IBS, 175-300 for moderate IBS, and > 300 for severe IBS

    Measured: week 12

  3. Severity of IBS symptoms by IBS-SSS

    Irritable bowel syndrome severity scoring system (IBS-SSS); 5-item questionnaire; scale from 0% (= not at all) to 100% (= very severe); cut-off of IBS-SSS scores to evaluate the severity of IBS: < 175 for mild IBS, 175-300 for moderate IBS, and > 300 for severe IBS

    Measured: week 36

  4. overall change in health status

    Rating scale from 1 (= much worse) to 5 (= much better)

    Measured: week 12

  5. overall change in health status

    Rating scale from 1 (= much worse) to 5 (= much better)

    Measured: week 36

Secondary outcomes (27)
  1. Disease related Quality of Life by IBS-QOL

    The IBS-QOL is a self-report quality-of-life measure specific to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that can be used to assess the impact of IBS and its treatment. 34 items with a 5-point response scale from 1 (=not at all) to 5 (= Extremely/a great deal); 34 items are summed and averaged for a total score and then transformed to a 0-100 scale for ease of interpretation with higher scores indicating better IBS specific quality of life.

    Measured: week 0

  2. Disease related Quality of Life by IBS-QOL

    The IBS-QOL is a self-report quality-of-life measure specific to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that can be used to assess the impact of IBS and its treatment. 34 items with a 5-point response scale from 1 (=not at all) to 5 (= Extremely/a great deal); 34 items are summed and averaged for a total score and then transformed to a 0-100 scale for ease of interpretation with higher scores indicating better IBS specific quality of life.

    Measured: week 12

  3. Disease related Quality of Life by IBS-QOL

    The IBS-QOL is a self-report quality-of-life measure specific to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) that can be used to assess the impact of IBS and its treatment. 34 items with a 5-point response scale from 1 (=not at all) to 5 (= Extremely/a great deal); 34 items are summed and averaged for a total score and then transformed to a 0-100 scale for ease of interpretation with higher scores indicating better IBS specific quality of life.

    Measured: week 36

  4. General Quality of Life by EQ-5D-SL

    The EQ-5D assesses health status in terms of five dimensions of health (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression) and is considered a 'generic' questionnaire because these dimensions are not specific to any one patient group or health condition. 5-point response-scale from 1 (=not /no problems) to 5 (=unable to [mobility, self-care, usual activities]/extreme [pain/depression]/extremely [anxiety/depression]); result: 5-digit health status profile that represents that person's level of reported problems on the five EQ-5D health dimensions

    Measured: week 0

  5. General Quality of Life by EQ-5D-SL

    The EQ-5D assesses health status in terms of five dimensions of health (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression) and is considered a 'generic' questionnaire because these dimensions are not specific to any one patient group or health condition. 5-point response-scale from 1 (=not /no problems) to 5 (=unable to [mobility, self-care, usual activities]/extreme [pain/depression]/extremely [anxiety/depression]); result: 5-digit health status profile that represents that person's level of reported problems on the five EQ-5D health dimensions

    Measured: week 12

  6. General Quality of Life by EQ-5D-SL

    The EQ-5D assesses health status in terms of five dimensions of health (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain and discomfort, and anxiety and depression) and is considered a 'generic' questionnaire because these dimensions are not specific to any one patient group or health condition. 5-point response-scale from 1 (=not /no problems) to 5 (=unable to [mobility, self-care, usual activities]/extreme [pain/depression]/extremely [anxiety/depression]); result: 5-digit health status profile that represents that person's level of reported problems on the five EQ-5D health dimensions

    Measured: week 36

  7. Stress: Perceived Stress (PSS-10)

    Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Rating on a five-step scale from 1 (= never) to 5 (=very often), high stress is assumed from a total score of 20 points

    Measured: week 0

  8. Stress: Perceived Stress (PSS-10)

    Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Rating on a five-step scale from 1 (= never) to 5 (=very often), high stress is assumed from a total score of 20 points

    Measured: week 12

  9. Stress: Perceived Stress (PSS-10)

    Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Rating on a five-step scale from 1 (= never) to 5 (=very often), high stress is assumed from a total score of 20 points

    Measured: week 36

  10. Stress: Coping Strategies (CISS)

    Short version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (24 items); Rating on a five-step scale from 1 (= not at all) to 5 (= very much); sum score for each coping strategy; higher scores indicate a greater use of that particular coping strategy

    Measured: week 0

  11. Stress: Coping Strategies (CISS)

    Short version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (24 items); Rating on a five-step scale from 1 (= not at all) to 5 (= very much); sum score for each coping strategy; higher scores indicate a greater use of that particular coping strategy

    Measured: week 12

  12. Stress: Coping Strategies (CISS)

    Short version of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (24 items); Rating on a five-step scale from 1 (= not at all) to 5 (= very much); sum score for each coping strategy; higher scores indicate a greater use of that particular coping strategy

    Measured: week 36

  13. Core Self-Evaluation by CSES

    Core Self-Evaluation (CSES), 12 items on five-point Likert scale, 1 indicates disagreement and 5 indicates full agreement. High scores on the CSES represents a positive, confident, and self-efficacious person

    Measured: week 0

  14. Core Self-Evaluation by CSES

    Core Self-Evaluation (CSES), 12 items on five-point Likert scale, 1 indicates disagreement and 5 indicates full agreement. High scores on the CSES represents a positive, confident, and self-efficacious person

    Measured: week 12

  15. Core Self-Evaluation by CSES

    Core Self-Evaluation (CSES), 12 items on five-point Likert scale, 1 indicates disagreement and 5 indicates full agreement. High scores on the CSES represents a positive, confident, and self-efficacious person

    Measured: week 36

  16. Utilization of medical services

    Number of visits

    Measured: week 0

  17. Utilization of medical services

    Number of visits

    Measured: week 12

  18. Utilization of medical services

    Number of visits

    Measured: week 36

  19. Days of work disability

    Number of days

    Measured: week 0

  20. Days of work disability

    Number of days

    Measured: week 12

  21. Days of work disability

    Number of days

    Measured: week 36

  22. Anxiety and depression by HADS

    Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 14 items (7 each for depressive symptoms or symptoms of anxiety). The two summated scores of the summated scales HADS-A and HADS-D range between 0 and 21. high scores indicate depressivness and anxiety.

    Measured: week 0

  23. Anxiety and depression by HADS

    Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 14 items (7 each for depressive symptoms or symptoms of anxiety). The two summated scores of the summated scales HADS-A and HADS-D range between 0 and 21. high scores indicate depressivness and anxiety.

    Measured: week 12

  24. Anxiety and depression by HADS

    Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 14 items (7 each for depressive symptoms or symptoms of anxiety). The two summated scores of the summated scales HADS-A and HADS-D range between 0 and 21. high scores indicate depressivness and anxiety.

    Measured: week 36

  25. Qualitative Interviews

    Qualitative interviews for gaining further insights into patients experiences

    Measured: week 12

  26. Adverse events

    all adverse events

    Measured: week 12

  27. Adverse events

    all adverse events

    Measured: week 36

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Nov 2023
  2. Study start6 Mar 2024
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Aug 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
118 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06145022
Sponsor's protocol ID
23065
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
10 Nov 2023
Last updated
6 Nov 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing lifestyle modification in people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, run by Universität Duisburg-Essen at 1 site in Germany.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Germany. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Sandra Utz, PhD (+49 951 503 ext. 16926, sandra.utz@sozialstiftung-bamberg.de), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Severity of IBS symptoms by IBS-SSS (time frame: week 0). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Nov 2026.

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